Clear-Com PTX-3 Wireless UHF Digital Hybrid IFB Transmitter

The PTX-3 is a Wireless IFB (interruptible fold back) Intercom system from Clear-Com is a UHF wireless IFB Transmitter base station with 256 selectable frequencies at 100 kHz increments. These systems are used for talent cueing as well as crew communications in Broadcast and motion picture production settings. In other cases, it can be used by directors and other management to monitor program audio during a production.

DSP compatible, the PTX-3 adds a convenient graphics typ backlit LCD interface to this IFB transmitter, and offers extra features such as selectable LF roll-off and compatibility with some other popular brands. The PTX-3 can also be “Locked” to prevent a user from changing any settings but still allow browsing of the current settings.

Featuring Digital Hybrid Wireless technology makes the PTX-3 compatible with some other brands of receivers (all receivers sold separately). This technology overcomes channel noise and compandor artifacts in a dramatically way, digitally encoding the audio in the transmitter and decoding it in the receiver, yet still sending the encoded information via an analog FM wireless link. This proprietary algorithm is not a digital implementation of an analog compandor, but a technique which can be accomplished only in the digital domain.

With its synthesized, frequency selectable main oscillator, the frequency is extremely stable over a wide temperature range and over time, plus it helps you avoid interference problems in mobile or traveling applications.

Rugged Construction

The unit comes housed in a machined aluminum case with a tough electrostatic powder coating, while the front and rear panels are anodized aluminum with laser etched engraving. The included antenna is a right angle, ¼-wavelength monopole with a BNC connector, constructed of polymer-coated flexible steel cable. It can be used standalone or rack-mountable with the PRK-2 kit (sold separately).

NOTE: This product is not approved for sale in Europe.

Features

• UHF wireless IFB Transmitter base station
• Operate between 486.4 and 639.9MHz
• Stand alone or rack mountable with the PRK-2 kit (sold separately)
• Selectable Low-Frequency roll-off
• “Locked” setting prevents accidental changes
• Overcomes channel noise and compandor artifacts
• Tough machined aluminum case housing

Specifications

• Operating frequencies (please specify model when ordering):
  • Block 19: 486.4 to 511.9 MHz
  • Block 21: 537.6 to 563.1 MHz
• Frequencies Channels (per block): 256
• Channel spacing: 100 kHz (0.1 MHz)
• Spurious & Harmonic Suppression: 37 dBc above 1 GHz
• Frequency Stability: ±.001% (10 ppm) @ 25º C
• Temperature Stability: ±.001% (10 ppm) from -30º C to +50º C
• Channel Selection: Momentary pushbutton switches, TUNE UP and Down
• Compatibility Modes: IFB, Digital Hybrid Wireless; 400 Mode, 200 Mode, 100 Mode, Mode 3, Mode 6
• Pilot Tone: 29.997 kHz IFB Mode, 32.765 kHz; 200 Mode, 400 Mode step selected, 32.768 kHz Mode 6
• Modulation: FM, ±20 kHz deviation IFB & 100 Mode, ±75 kHz 200 and 400 Mode, ±50 kHz Mode 3 and Mode 6
• Audio Frequency Response:
  • 100 Hz to 8 kHz, ±1 dB, IFB MODE system response (see Rolloff*)
  • 30 Hz to 20 kHz ± 1dB, 200 and 400 MODE system response (see Rolloff*)
• *Rolloff: Low frequency audio rolloff is Menu selectable for 3 dB down at 35 Hz or 50 Hz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 90 dB typical (“A” weighted)
• RF Power Output: 250 mW (nominal)
• Output Impedance: 50Ω
• Audio Input Levels:
  • 0 dBu for Line, RTS1 and RTS2
  • -10 dBu for ClearCom
  • -42 dBu mic dry inputs, +/-50VDC max
• Audio Input Config: Balanced and Unbalanced, rear panel selectable for Line, Mic, RTS 1, RTS 2, and ClearCom
• Audio Input Impedance:
  • Greater than 2kΩ balanced
  • Greater than 1kΩ unbalanced at any gain setting
• Control Range: -18 dB to +24 dB (0 dB nominal center), software selectable
• Audio Input Jack: Standard XLR female connector
• Input Power: 12 to 14 VDC typical, 200 mA max; Max input range 6 to 18 VDC
• Power Input Jack: Coax type, locking LZR RL26AE
• Indicators: Backlit Liquid Crystal Display. Displays modulation meter, frequencies, modes, rolloff, audio level, and tuning groups
• Front Panel Controls:
  • MENU momentary pushbutton switch
  • Power OFF-TUNE-XMIT, 3-position slide switch
  • Select Up momentary pushbutton switch
  • Select Down momentary pushbutton switch
• Rear Panel Controls: Input Mode Select, 4-section DIP switch
• Weight: 9 oz.
• Size (L x W x H): 5.25" (including connectors) x 3.25" x 1.25"
• Emission designator: 180KF3E
• Notes:
  • Actual operating performance may vary, and all information is subject to change without notice.
  • This product is not approved for sale in Europe.